DISCLAIMER: I OWN NOTHING. NONE OF THIS BELONGS TO ME.
Summary: After the undertaking, Laurel was in a dark place. But what if instead of becoming an addict and an alcoholic, Laurel channeled her grief in a different way.
So I decided to start another arrow fic. I really love Laurel's character. But I feel like they could have done so much better in season 2. I still love her, but having her become an addict just didn't seem like something the character would do. Therefore, I decided to change things. Enjoy! Please R&R.
Tommy was dead. Laurel couldn't believe it. He'd come to save her and then he died. It wasn't fair that she got to live and he died. Even after everything that they'd been through, Laurel had still loved him. She loved his lame jokes, his smiles, the way he would light up at the smallest things. She loved how he would make her breakfast in the morning and how he would eat ice cream with her after a long day at work. But he would never do any of those things again. He would never laugh. Have his eyes fill with joy on seeing something. Now, his eyes were just lifeless voids. Forever open, but unseeing.
Oliver had left. After the funeral, he said he needed some time to think. That was understandable considering everything he'd been through. Considering what happened with his mom. And after Tommy, Laurel knew that nothing could happen between them. At least not right now. She needed time. And she needed something to do. To channel all her anger and grief into. First, she tried to find someone to pin the blame on.
Malcolm for thinking of the machine in the first place. For creating the undertaking that would go on to take the life of his son. But he was dead, so there was nowhere to take the anger. Moira for letting the undertaking take place. For knowing about it for years but saying nothing. But after Malcolm killed Robert, her husband, and then threatened the lives of her children, Laurel couldn't find it in her heart to blame her. The Arrow, for not arriving to save Tommy in time. But that wasn't his fault. He was busy trying to stop the undertaking, even if he failed. No. Laurel knew the only person to blame for Tommy's death was herself. If she'd listened to Oliver. Or to her father. Maybe Tommy would be here right now, instead of being in a casket six feet below the ground that shook and killed him.
Maybe that's why she was standing here now. In front of an old building. Seeking a teacher. To channel everything into something positive. To make up for not saving Tommy. For killing him. Perhaps doing this isn't the smartest idea. But she's not sure what else she could do. She couldn't crawl into a bottle. Not after seeing what it did to her father. She couldn't throw herself into her job, because that was buried in the quake. So that left this. Becoming something she didn't think she could ever be. Walking into the building she saw a figure at the center of the room. On hearing Laurel's entrance they turned to face the jobless attorney. This was it. This was her last chance to pull out. To change her mind. Try and deal with this pain in a different, safer way. But instead, she said two words. Words that would change her life.
"Teach me."
8 MONTHS LATER
Laurel jumped off the rooftop feeling a welcome rush of adrenaline. This was her third month patroling and she loved it. Growing up, the law was always sacred. Never to be broken. But being a vigilante was more than amazing. It was a true feeling of being complete. Looking down, she saw a group of men surrounding someone. The woman was screaming begging for help. Perfect. Leaping down, Laurel took out her bow-staff and swept the feet out from underneath one of the men. The rest of them all turned towards her as she hit him in the head and the man fell unconscious.
They all rushed at her as she took them out one by one. Landing a kick to one's head. Punching one man until he lay on the floor. The last she strangled. He gasped for air writhing in her grip before finally passing out from lack of oxygen. Laurel released him and turned to the victim. She stood there cowering in fear after witnessing a woman in a black leather jacket and fishnets take down five men. When the woman saw the gaze of her rescuer fall on her, she turned and ran.
"That was quite impressive," came a deep voice from behind her. Turning around Laurel saw the Arrow. He stood with his bow in his dominant hand. Assessing her every move.
"Thanks," Laurel said turning on her voice changer. "Haven't seen you in a while."
"I had some stuff to figure out."
"And what are you doing here now?" Laurel asked stepping forward.
"Trying to save my city."
"Then we have a common goal."
"Maybe. But all I wanted to do was warn you to stay out of my way. I don't like other vigilantes. I'm not a team player," the Arrow responded moving closer until they were standing chest to chest. Their breaths mingled in the air for a moment. Neither of them spoke too engrossed in each other. Until finally the Arrow turned around to leave.
"I'm not leaving or stopping," Laurel called out after him. He stopped for a moment, considering.
"What do I call you?" he asked.
"I'm the Black Canary."
"Well, then Black Canary," he started before shooting a grappling arrow that lifted him away from the floor. "I'll see you around."
Authors Note:So what are your thoughts? Should I continue this story? Do you have any ideas for what should happen next? Review to let me know. Until next time!